This European added value assessment (EAVA) supports the European Parliament’s legislative initiative 2023/2051(INL) entitled ‘EU framework for the social and professional situation of artists and workers in the cultural and creative sectors’. The study reviews the existing legal framework and identifies gaps in the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) relating to working and social conditions. It explores possible policy options to tackle the challenges, and assesses the potential impacts of those policy options. Four policy options are identified: i) streamlining existing soft-law; ii) making changes within the existing legislative framework, iii) setting up a platform by means of a decision, and iv) establishing a new (framework) directive. The proposed policy options complement each other. Policy option 4 explores whether a new sector-specific (framework) directive would close the gap, although feasibility depends on scope and purpose. The combination of policy options 1 to 3 has the highest potential impact, addressing the gaps and generating potential economic benefits. These three options together would have a positive social impact and improve working conditions and access to social rights. They would reduce the vulnerability and risk of poverty of CCS professionals, and contribute to the sustainability of social security systems.

EU framework for the social and professional situation of artists and workers in the cultural and creative sectors